I’m often discouraged by people who refer to my art ability as a gift or blessing. In the last 34 years, I’ve spent many hours looking at, thinking about, talking about, reading about and, above all, making art. It’s not a gift, it’s not a blessing, it’s a decision.

I don’t make this proclamation in an effort to garner more credit for myself, I say it in an effort to empower others. If you want to be an artist, stop hoping, wishing and praying and start doodling.